The Green Bay Packers are operating with a weird schedule this week. They played last Thursday against the Miami Dolphins, a 30-17 win, and now they will play next Thursday again, a huge NFC North matchup versus the Detroit Lions.

Because of that, they are practicing on Sunday. And the start of preparation had two great pieces of news, one for each side of the ball. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and wide receiver Romeo Doubs have returned to practice.

Jaire Alexander

The former All-Pro cornerback has missed three of the last four games — and barely was on the field in the one he did play — because of a knee injury he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars more than a month ago.

It was a PCL injury, and the Packers have always had the expectation of an in-season return for him. The fact that he’s back this early in the process is a good indication that he will be available on Thursday.

Romeo Doubs

The third-year wide receiver suffered a concussion last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The short week was a problem, so he missed the Dolphins game. He’s back, though, which is a great sign. Unless it’s a truly serious concussion, players usually return after a week, so everything points toward a return.

Still out

The other Packers player who missed the Dolphins game was still out of practice on Sunday. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, was on the bike outside of the practice field.

Cornerback Corey Ballentine, who injured his knee on the first play of the game on Thanksgiving, worked with trainers.

As the game is on Thursday, the Packers don’t need to release an injury report until Monday. The injury designations come on Wednesday, the same day on which the Packers travel to Detroit.